"...a highly accomplished first book."

I'll admit it: I google myself. Probably more often than is healthy, but I have a very good excuse at the moment. The book, of course! So today, thanks to my habit, I found this nice review. It's a bit of an omnibus review, but I do get my own paragraph and the esteemed George Fetherling ended my bit with this fine sentence: This is a highly accomplished first book. Oh yes, it made my day.

2+2: A Reading

It's late notice, but I'm reading tomorrow night. Come check it out if you're in town.

2 Novelists. 2 Poets. 1 stage.

Join us for an after-work reading with novelists Steven Galloway (Ascension, the forthcoming The Cellist of Sarajevo) and Lee Henderson (The Broken Record Technique, the forthcoming The Man Game) and poets Marita Dachsel (All Things Said & Done) and Jennica Harper (The Octopus and Other Poems).

Fiction & Poetry. You won't have to take sides.

When:

Friday, August 10th
Doors 6pm, Reading 6:30 pm

Where:

The Annex Restaurant
307 West Cordova in Gastown

Admission is free.

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I think it's going to be a really great reading. We're all friends and I'm excited to hear the boys novelists read from their upcoming books. It will also be my last reading in Vancouver while it is still the city I live in. It's going to be an entertaining night.

On the radio

I'll be on the radio today (102.7FM) from 2-2:30 pm reading from my book.

In the press

A mention of the book in What's on Winnipeg and as a good beach read in The Tyee.

Northern Tour

In less than a week Gillian and I will be launching our Northern Tour. Our itinerary is a lot smaller than what had originally envisioned, almost by half, but I think it's going to be great. If you are in any of the areas, please stop by, have a listen, and stick around to say hi.

May 8 - Williams Lake
8 pm Station House Gallery

May 9 - Quesnel
Public school reading

May 11 - Prince George
7 pm College of New Caledonia, Room 1 - 360

May 15 - Vanderhoof
7pm Vanderhoof Public Library

May 16 - Fort Saint James
7pm Fort St. James Public Library

Main Street Lit. Tour

This Thursday (April 26), I'll be reading as part of the Main Street Literary Tour. I'm not sure how long this event has been going on, but last year the fabulous poet (and fantastic friend) Jennica Harper was part of it. I'm in Tour A and will be reading with Fiona Lam and Amanda Lamarche at 8 pm at Lark (on Main Street between Nirvana Restaurant and the Fox Cinema).

If you attend, please stop by and say hello. I think it should be a fun evening.

Success!

Last night's launch went very well. There was a substantial crowd and despite me being terrified, everyone said I read well and could not tell that I was nervous. (Phew!) The other two readers, Nancy Pagh and Sean Horlor, were fantastic. I felt so lucky to be sharing the stage with such talented poets. You should really pick up their books if you have the chance. Hosts Liz Bachinsky and Michael V Smith were very entertaining and generous. Together they currate the Robson Reading Series, the best reading series in the city. (And I'm not just saying that because I was a part of it. It really is the best.)

I'm thrilled to report that the bookstore sold out of my books which was a very pleasing thing to see. Such a large stack diminshed. In bed last night I counted up the books my friends bought and was happy to discover that other people, people who didn't feel any obligation to, bought my book. Hooray! (Please see the sidebar where you can buy your own copy.)